[Feedback] Newbies + the Newbie Sanctuary (Your input pls!)

[ColaPoP]

If you want to give feedback/ideas/suggestions on:

> the current Newbie Sanctuary (http://jay-chou.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=97) (spicing-it-up, creating/maintaining order) or,
> helping newbies to get accustomed with JCNET foruming


Please make a post in this thread. Your feedback is greatly appriciated :flowers:

[junnleenfaah]

this is just a small detail concerning the newbie forum, but hopefully a little help is better than none =/

i know each of the 6 social groups have their own personal websites. i hardly ever see the links for the sites around, but i remember when i was a non-group member, even when i was a newbie, the sites helped me figure out which group i would be interested in in the future. i dont know if those sites still exist or if they're updated on a regular basis, but i think it'd be cool if we could reestablish the sites and give the newbies more in-depth information on each social group besides just the social group lounge thread.

[shinjay]

Colapop that is a good idea..since many of the newbies dont know where to post when they started to join JC Net so just create a forum for them to post and they can introduce more friends there. Last time I just join JC Net.. I manage to find my friends in 1 week plus, I think after adding this sub-forum.. it is easier.

I have not much to say or comment.. but since you are concerning about this to the newbies and it is very usefull to the newbies so I give a 100% support to you.

[lattae]

Maybe a "Post-traumatic Encounter Rehabilitation centre". A place to counsel the newbies who'd get attacked for making a bad post out in the other forums.

Basically provide guidance on why the behaviour/post wasn't welcomed. Then bascially rehabilitate and should their points be docked majorly, we can perhaps restore them provided they've learnt their lesson/changed for the better.

[tomato_0]

i really do think that the newbie thing is a good idea, when i first joined i was so lost at how to comment on threads and even how to start threads and all, and i didnt want to break any rules so i guess it was very hard to me

especially coz everyone HATES newbies and NOOBS =] but this is a REAL good idea !!

[kirasuran]

i suggest that we....hahahah i LOVE THAT POST TRAUMATIC ENCOUNTER REHAB CENTRE IDEA hahahaha~

hmmz ill need some time to think of some additions to this newbie forum...but definitely make it

1. really informative
2. really nice and comfortable
3. and...ive run out of ideas (even though i jus repeated what ppl sed beforE)

but you can take it as a summary hahaha SORRY!! ill b back.

[aina]

tomato_0 >> we don't hate newbies.. :love: but yes, we don't have interest for noObs (hate might be too strong for word,eh?)

Hmm..i don't think the introduction of 6 socializing group is important to be added. I think it's too early for newbies, it might be confusing for them. The introduction to the 6 socializing group maybe can be visible to them after members becoming Registered User +

What do you guys think? :worry:

[zhy378]

Hmm..i don't think the introduction of 6 socializing group is important to be added. I think it's too early for newbies, it might be confusing for them. The introduction to the 6 socializing group maybe can be visible to them after members becoming Registered User +
What do you guys think? :worry:

i say let new members know about the 6 social groups, from junnleenfahh's experience. if new members already know about the 6 social groups and already know which group they want to join, then they'll have the motivation to be a good forum member to reach their goal of joining the group.

[judes]

Maybe a "Post-traumatic Encounter Rehabilitation centre". A place to counsel the newbies who'd get attacked for making a bad post out in the other forums.

that's actually a really great idea i've seen at other forums.
they banish the n00bs to another forum where they are taught how to be better posters. they can only post in that forum and nowhere else. that way they can't spam the other forums and if they really are willing to contribute, they will learn what their mistakes were.

[rachelle03]

"Post-traumatic Encounter Rehabilitation centre"

Oooh, that sounds very good! At least they'll know where did they go wrong.

Regarding the 6 social group intro, we actually do had a short intro from the main FAQ.

We have 6 social groups here: Wan Mei Zhu Yi, cloud's surfers, diao krew, ke ai nu ren, Long Quan Pai, and Silence Alliance.

The original intent of having the groups was to restrict downloads only for worthy members. So you had to qualify for one of these groups before you could download. Since the site has grown so mauch, monitoring member worthiness got harder, so these groups are now basically "socializing" groups. Or a way for new members to find a "fit" or a "family" at this site.

Anyone can join ONE of those groups. You can chat with the members of them in our Social Lounge. When you are ready to apply to ONE of the groups, go to your Usergroup options.

Joining a group is highly recommended. Group members have a special bond and access to other forums and hidden goodies. We also hold annual games in the summer to award the best group of the year.

Perhaps we can elaborate a bit more on it and leave a thread for that open for questions on it. But we'll still advise them to go the group social thread to socialise with the rest of the members (if it's still there in the revamped site) after they 'graduated' from the newbie university.

[twilighthush]

I think that this might actually really help people out, because that might be a place they can go that isn't quite as intimidating as the rest of JCNET. There isnt' much input I have for this forum because I think your idea so far is great as it is, and my forté isn't really helping out newbies. ^^;; Since I don't think I'm really qualified to do so. <3

[jayx8318x]

The newbies forum is created, it's above the social forums for now. Colapop is the moderator alone for now. You guys may think of some stickies to help people for that forum.

Every new member will now get a welcome PM telling them about that forum so you can expect some people dropping by.


Since that forum is cleaned from time to time, I think it's ok if they start new threads to introduce themselves. Remember to be lenient if they don't follow posting rules (e.g. descriptive topic titles) and so forth...friendly faces on! OK go.

[aznjayhunter]

friendly face is on :-) :happy:

hmm...stickies...

oh, first of all, is the introduce yourself sticky gonna be included in the newbie forum? if not, maybe we should move that sticky to the new forum, or create a new one?

a sticky talking about the buddy program, introducing all the 'buddies/mentors' and how the whole program will work out...etc?

[jayx8318x]

yep the introduce yourself thread is no more. I now instruct them to go to that forum. some kinda thread to show who all the mentors/welcomers will be nice

[ker_ai_teresa]

Regarding stickies, the ones that are currently in the Announcements forum could be moved/copied into the newbies forum, could they not? Just as starters because they already contain the Survival Guide with links to the rules and FAQ.

info about mentors could perhaps go in a separate sticky?

[jayx8318x]

Alot of those stickies and posts in the announcements forums seriously needs to be updated. You guys can use them as guides maybe, but either way they desperately need to be updated. I'll delete them eventually and just tell the new members to go to the newbies forum.

[ker_ai_teresa]

ok, I've posted up a survival guide in the NS. I copied and pasted most of what was in the original one that you'd put up, Karen, with a few minor adjustments to reflect the new changes.

feel free to edit it.

http://www.jay-chou.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20078

[aznjayhunter]

okay yeah, how bout another idea? in the thread that lists the mentors, each mentor post and introduce themselves and tell the newbies something about themselves? so that once the mentoring program starts, we can safe some time and effort.

[yukiko]

so the mentoring program hasnt started yet? so what the mentor's jobs now? do i need to PM the newbie to tell them to go to the newbies santuary?

[ColaPoP]

ColaPoP, at your service *nods*

I'm still aquainting myself with this new role so if you don't see any dramatic changes to begin with, don't worry. Even as we speak, I am deep in my cellar plotting and drafting to make THE ULTIMATE NEWBIES HAVEN! Thank you for accepting me, I will do my best.

Regarding stickies, the ones that are currently in the Announcements forum could be moved/copied into the newbies forum, could they not?
Alot of those stickies and posts in the announcements forums seriously needs to be updated. You guys can use them as guides maybe, but either way they desperately need to be updated. I'll delete them eventually and just tell the new members to go to the newbies forum.
I was going to ask for access to move those threads over, but we are starting fresh with everything. Ok, cool. Just confirming. Let's get cracking...

Since that forum is cleaned from time to time, I think it's ok if they start new threads to introduce themselves. Remember to be lenient if they don't follow posting rules (e.g. descriptive topic titles) and so forth...friendly faces on! OK go.
*cringe* Oh man.
*imagines 40 new threads with "I'm new!"*

I'm still starting a "introduce yourself here" thread.
If they do otherwise, ... ok. *puts on happy face* *attaches sweet tongue*

I will also start the mentors list... perhaps they can all post and introduce themselves in that thread... as for the EXACT role they will play... we'll work it out. In the meantime Mentors, expect to be PMed and just give accurate and friendly advice/help.

[jayx8318x]

I thought the point of the newbies forum was so they weren't all forced to share one thread?

[ColaPoP]

Karen, Hmm... see, I had envisioned it differently.

I thought it might still be nice to keep an newbies intro thread just so mentors/JCnet members can keep track of the new members coming through. It's also a great at-a-glance thread to see how far newbies have progressed since their arrival.

Newbies are still encouraged to socialise by creating other threads (ie, polls regarding Jays albums, etc. Fav artists..., fav colour x-P) but I imagine if we have 40+ threads propping up with "I'm new" individual intros... post convos will be pretty superficial and 20+ jc.net regulars replying with "welcome to jc.net" will get stale fast.

I will PM you a proposal of how I envisioned the newbie forum once I have the info I need... but input from all members is still more than welcome!

[jayx8318x]

I see, I think we're looking at this from totally opposite ends.


Newbies are still encouraged to socialise by creating other threads (ie, polls regarding Jays albums, etc. Fav artists..., fav colour x-P)

But why wouldn't they just post it in the Jay Discussion or whatever forum it applies to instead of the newbies forum? If I were in their shoes, if I wanted to discuss my fav Jay album , I would post it in the Jay Music Discussion forum bc more ppl will go there that are interested in Jay, not the Newbies forum.


but I imagine if we have 40+ threads propping up with "I'm new" individual intros


From my personal experience when I've visited forums that have this same functionality, it's nice to have your own "I'm new" thread and to have 20 ppl welcome you, as oppose to having one thread, and people coming in to say "Hi to john, jane, joe, and jerry! welcome to JCNET" it's that lumping effect that make people feel less special.

[ColaPoP]

But why wouldn't they just post it in the Jay Discussion or whatever forum it applies to instead of the newbies forum?
Because I wasn't sure if they were restricted to the newbie forum ONLY to begin with, or otherwise.

it's nice to have your own "I'm new" thread and to have 20 ppl welcome you
I'm more than happy to try that out. If it helps foster goodwill/communication with new members... it's a good start by my books ^^

Should I temporarily delete that the mass intro-thread for now then?

[jayx8318x]

Because I wasn't sure if they were restricted to the newbie forum ONLY to begin with, or otherwise.


OK I see where the confusion came in. No that isn't implemented yet, you guys have to tell me whether you want it that way or not. And if we do, I might have to lower post count req for RU+ to 10, and 7 days registered. Since 20 posts seems just too much for a newbie to make in ONE forum.

But I think where the newbie forum is located will confuse people. At forums where I see it implemented, the forum is located near the top so no one misses it. I don't want 50 emails asking me why they can't post, and to have to tell them to go to the newbies forum that's 2/3 the way down.

Do we need to move newbies forum under JCNET Activities?

[ColaPoP]

Do we need to move newbies forum under JCNET Activities?
Yes, please. That would help newbies allocate their forum quickly and trouble us less *joy* Will this subforum be moving into the site-related forum then? To its own sub-forum?

you guys have to tell me whether you want it that way or not. And if we do, I might have to lower post count req for RU+ to 10, and 7 days registered. Since 20 posts seems just too much for a newbie to make in ONE forum.
I was originally going to suggest access to newbie forum only, until a later specified time...but I can see how dull that would get. So my opinion is no, let them access everything from day 1... in which case, individual introductions work better than a mass-intro thread. I'll go delete it.

[jayx8318x]

OK I have another suggestion, tell me what you think of this.
I create one more usergroup called "Non-Poster" and that's the INITIAL group everyone gets put into when they register. They can have access to the usual forums, but view-only and not allowed to post EXCEPT for in the Newbies forum. They only need to make ONE post in the newbies forum to be upgraded to RU (w/in 24 hours). From that point on, the same requirements are kept to upgrade to RU+ and so on.

Yes it forces everyone who wants to post to make in a post in that Newbies forum whether they want to or not. But it may allow some who wouldn't typically post in it to get to know our members.

[JianDan[Ai]]

Yea I was thinking the newbie forums would be something along these lines

http://www.z-degrees.net/forums/index.php?showforum=5

Using Z-degrees as an example, but lots of forums out there have self introduction forums, where people can talk about themselves etc.

[ColaPoP]

OK I have another suggestion, tell me what you think of this.
I like the idea. I was thinking along the same lines, but thought I was being difficult and wasn't sure the forum was capable of that. Now I know.

Making ONE post seems a little trivial, but I can understand the concept. Wet their appitate in joining the rest of the forum by showing them what their missing out on. Unfortunatly, while it stops them from posting badly everywhere initially, it also doesn't force them to hang around the newbie forum so that they really get to know the forums rules, FAQ, etc.... we can trail it and see...

Btw, I didn't see the option to add a sub-forum, but your original suggestion of having a "where do I post this?" forum will be a good addition within the newbie forum.

*follows JianDan[Ai]'s link*
Hey, there are only 2 pages of backlog. I can deal with that ^^

[JianDan[Ai]]

*follows JianDan[Ai]'s link*
Hey, there are only 2 pages of backlog. I can deal with that ^^


Thats mostly cuz zdegrees was a dead site, for a while, they just revived it yestaurday. lol so 2 pages in 2 days...:bleh:

[-vIt-]

I create one more usergroup called "Non-Poster" and that's the INITIAL group everyone gets put into when they register. They can have access to the usual forums, but view-only and not allowed to post EXCEPT for in the Newbies forum. They only need to make ONE post in the newbies forum to be upgraded to RU (w/in 24 hours). From that point on, the same requirements are kept to upgrade to RU+ and so on.


I think it's a good idea to keep the leechers out. And the people who registered would be diveded into two groups - the people who are willing to talk in the forum would post, but the others who aren't be bothered can remain with 0 points. It'll be easier too for karen to delete users from time to time

[jayx8318x]

I was gonna ask you guys to think of a new name for the Newbies forum, it sounds a bit cold and clammy...maybe they think "sanctuary" means jail or something haha...
and simply "Newbies Forum" will work, but I was wondering if you guys have something better.

I also noticed...maybe you guys wanna talk about how you greet the newbies...cuz the first 2 we had to post there were bombarded with read this read that! Just kinda intimidating if you ask me. I think a few nice hellos and intro from the GREETERs would be better than that. Then maybe a few more posts down the road, introduce those impt threads.

edit: seriously! if the first few sentences out of the greeter's mouth concerns forum rules, us being strict, possible banning! That's NOT good. Please advise the greeters on this!

[HarmonyCloud]

I think the Newbie forum is a good idea, it will also help get the newbies used to the idea that "posting is okay" I think a lot of newbies just get lazy but if they get to know some users and such they will come back more often etc...

[sugarfree]

I was gonna ask you guys to think of a new name for the Newbies forum, it sounds a bit cold and clammy...maybe they think "sanctuary" means jail or something haha...
and simply "Newbies Forum" will work, but I was wondering if you guys have something better.

I also noticed...maybe you guys wanna talk about how you greet the newbies...cuz the first 2 we had to post there were bombarded with read this read that! Just kinda intimidating if you ask me. I think a few nice hellos and intro from the GREETERs would be better than that. Then maybe a few more posts down the road, introduce those impt threads.

edit: seriously! if the first few sentences out of the greeter's mouth concerns forum rules, us being strict, possible banning! That's NOT good. Please advise the greeters on this!

Hi, I'm new to the forums, but to elaborate on what jayx8318x said, I think in response to my introduction post, some people really wanted emphasize the rules. I understand rules are rules, but I haven't broken any yet I don't think have I? Not to tell anyone how to do their job, but why is it that whenever a new person joins, they need to be told "read the rules" as if we just broke them?

I may be new, but I can say from the frew posts I have made, it does kind of make the site seem very anal about its rules.

[yukiko]

im so sorry if that bothering you. and so sorry for karen as well. im not doing a good job as a mentor. T_T :go to read more announcements about the implement things:
SORRY

[JianDan[Ai]]

Its alright yukiko, we live and learn, I'm sure sugar understands and doesnt mind it much =P

btw welcome Sugarfree to the forums, go have some fun, we aren't all about rules ~_^

[rachelle03]

Maybe called it "Initial-N", erm.. "J-Cnet cot"...

I find the welcoming a bit overwhelmed. :sweat: It's like everyone pop in, hi, "any questions, ask" and goes off. There's no interactive conversation. Perhaps the mentors/buddies can talk to them about eg. how did they find this forum, who they are... Like what ColaPop has done here (http://jay-chou.net/forums/showpost.php?p=658353&postcount=3) Sometimes the newbies find it hard to interact with each other too. I mean, everyone is new there. Maybe organise some ice-breaking games. (?)

[ColaPoP]

Hey Sugar, thanks for the feedback on our newbie forum & welcome to the site :happy:

I get what you're saying. The entire point of creating the newbie forum was to create a haven where newbies can socialise in a friendly environment without fear of punishment. I guess old habits die hard...

JC.NET members:
Get your asses in gear and be nice dammit, or I'll whoop your ass ya'll!! *just kidding*

Please guys, play nice. That is the point of the newbie forum after all... and if you haven't checked it out yet, why not drop by (http://jay-chou.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=97) and greet some of our new members?

EDIT: However, Noobs should not be tolerated. Nice is fine on newbies that make honest mistakes, but not newbs/noobs that are intentionally out to wreck havoc on the forum.

yukiko I want to officially thank you for volunteering as a mentor and helping out the newbie forum ^^ Your presence is felt, and I'm glad you are enthusiastic about your role. I don't think you are bad at your role, perhaps I am a bad leader as I have yet to specify what we are all doing... Until I implement the mentor program, we are just going to greet and make small-talk (light conversation with them: i.e - Are you a student? How did you find the site? etc) Basically, make them feel at ease until they prompt us with questions. Keep it up!~

[dagamezmasta]

Maybe a "Post-traumatic Encounter Rehabilitation centre". A place to counsel the newbies who'd get attacked for making a bad post out in the other forums.

Basically provide guidance on why the behaviour/post wasn't welcomed. Then bascially rehabilitate and should their points be docked majorly, we can perhaps restore them provided they've learnt their lesson/changed for the better.

Hm... if you're serious about this, I don't really agree with you. I don't think newbies actually need all that attention and care just for having their pride hurt by someone criticzing their bad posts.
I mean, I made bad posts and were attacked by some people too.
My pride was injured too.
But I ignored it, slowly learned, and changed my behavior.

If people actually need rehab because they're so wounded, I don't think they are fit to contribute to these forums.
Let the wonder of natural selection work its magic and leave only the strongest standing :)


I don't mean that we shouldn't be nice to newbies, but I don't think we need to go to such heights to help them. Sometimes, let them learn by themselves.

[ColaPoP]

Alternative names for the newbie forum:
Newbie's Haven? Initial-D: Stage 1 - Newbie Zone? As long as it has the word "newbie" in it, I think we're good ^^

I don't mean that we shouldn't be nice to newbies, but I don't think we need to go to such heights to help them. Sometimes, let them learn by themselves.
Good point. I mean... oldies, we all made it here in one piece, didn't we?

Contracted mod2 for Newbie forum: :wink2:
As the newbie forum Mod2 has not shown up yet, I have borrowed seaweedpatchkid to assist me in modding and setting-up the newbie forum with me. It may work out well too, since we're on different sides of the world, we can take shifts. *lol* Anyways... it's been challenging work, so don't be surprised mentors/oldies, if we ask you guys for a hand.

[jayx8318x]

You're doing an awesome job Pei! *proud* I'm sure it is hard work and a pain planning things out. Plus you get that once in a while misbehaving n00b that wrecks havoc...but everyone is doing a good job. It's ok yukiko, it's a learning process and I'm sure you'll do fine once we all get the hang of it.

The fun thing about it is, the misbehaving newbies get away with some of the behaviour in that forum. But little do they know once they step foot out of it, it's a whole 'nother world. We're all out here stroking our ban stick [no euphemism implied..so don't even!] preparing for those that chose not to learn during the time they are given.

thx Pei for letting me use the banner!

[keikai]

I've read the guidelines showing how the new newbie forum will be like and so far I think that's good enough for me.
Usually when I get started in a new forum, some important things I'd like to learn is definitely in the FAQs, like what are the social groups, what are the different groups, what are the important rules to follow(that may be different from other forums), and obtaining help when required.
Furthermore, maybe just to add color to the forum, some games can be carried out by the older members to enhance/encourage some friendliness between newbies who don't feel so welcome, or still feel 'shy' to post. I don't know, its just an idea. ^_^

[aznjayhunter]

Pei: that banner is so cool!

yes, Karen is right! you are doing a good job as a moderator! keep it up, and if you need help, just tell me!

[dagamezmasta]

Karen, that's one of the problems I've noticed. They're beeing cut a lot of slack in the Sanctuary, so they won't be fully ready for the "real world" until they get out and actually experience it. It's like a kid growing up all his life in a sheltered city where it's safe and sound (um... like my hometown, Irvine, CA for example... outsiders actually find it so creepishly safe and organized that they say it is "Big Brother come alive") and then moving to a chaotic, disorganized, and dangerous city like Memphis or San Francisco or Shanghai or any place like that. They've grown up in such a sheltered environment that they don't have what it takes at first to survive in such a dangerous city.

I'm not referring to the other subforums as actually dangerous, but it's just that if we don't impose some sort of discipline in the sanctuary, the newbies won't learn. And isn't the point of the sanctuary to teach the newbies to learn how to post correctly before we release them to the real world?

And another problem might be that the newbies realize that there are less limitations in the sanctuary than there are outside, and thus they refuse to go outside and remain in the sanctuary instead where they can make meaningless posts and increase post count this way.

[liliceprincess]

Hello :wave: Ack >< sorry for being so late in coming in here. At first i didnt know what exactly to say to contribute but here i am now.

hmm i read about the alternative names. What about something like NEWBIE CORNER? Newbie Hangout? err >> i am not sure really but that is all i have right now lol

I was so surprised with all the newbie threads since i wasnt online yesterday and to find them so nice and having them so excited and to see fresh faces is definitely rewarding for me too. But of course ill be nice >> lol

If people actually need rehab because they're so wounded, I don't think they are fit to contribute to these forums.
Let the wonder of natural selection work its magic and leave only the strongest standing :)

I understand where you are coming from, but dont you think if truly I would have been happy that if there were people to help me and to welcome me like what is going on right now. Yes i know it may keep them not knowing mistakes the hard way. But being nice is alright too isnt it? :?

And another problem might be that the newbies realize that there are less limitations in the sanctuary than there are outside, and thus they refuse to go outside and remain in the sanctuary instead where they can make meaningless posts and increase post count this way.
hmm that could happen, but then again i think when they do come out of the newbie sanctuary there are much that they can browse and look through i dont truly believe that they will go back all the time, maybe at times, but i think that would be okay?

We're all out here stroking our ban stick [no euphemism implied..so don't even!] preparing for those that chose not to learn during the time they are given.

ahahha isnt that kind of scaring the newbies like that? i mean when they do come out to the "real world" of jcnet? But i think that is a cool idea. its like how kids in school you learn and then when its college and real world time everything is all different. i think thats a good idea and yet it would be scary.

And Pei I agree, you have kept newbie forum soo stable and clean its nice and you are truly doing a job well done =)

[aznjayhunter]

from what i'm seeing now in the newbies forum, the newbies seem very happy and satisfied with jcnet! especially one member *not mentioning names* that new member is feeling very good to be here after many of us greeted her in her thread. i think this newbie forum is really going to work out! =)

[jayx8318x]

And isn't the point of the sanctuary to teach the newbies to learn how to post correctly before we release them to the real world?

Yes, we have ways of keeping someone in newbie! status till we feel they are deserving and ready to head out in the real JCNET world. Pei and the other mods of that forum are advised of the method.


And another problem might be that the newbies realize that there are less limitations in the sanctuary than there are outside, and thus they refuse to go outside and remain in the sanctuary instead where they can make meaningless posts and increase post count this way.

That forum is cleaned out regularly. Any newbies or registered members who go in there and spam JUST to gain post counts, well they'll just lose it all anyways. And newbies who only make ONE post in that forum so they can be upgraded to RU status..but never ever post again. Well same thing, when we delete posts in that forum > they'll lose their 1 post, become zero posters again > get their account deleted.

We've got it covered on many angles :happy:

[seaweedpatchkid]

Newbies can be stuck there for life...but I'd love to see our little newbies grow up and flee the coup.

[Starylosophy]

I don't know if this has been reflected by any member before, but I realised that alot of the newbies are asking why they could not change their avatar and they post questions and threads. I know that ithis is being written on the FAQ, but some of them might have missed it or didn't read the FAQ.

Perhaps Karen could add a note on the accounts of newbies in the avatar section that they could only edit them after they become Registered Users +

And I would like to compliment Pei for her hard work. Kudos to you! You have done a great job in managing the newbie sanctuary :bow:

[ColaPoP]

Thank you all for your kind words and support~ I'll keep this short as it's way past my bed time X-/ *lol*

Usually when I get started in a new forum, some important things I'd like to learn is definitely in the FAQs, like what are the social groups, what are the different groups, what are the important rules to follow(that may be different from other forums), and obtaining help when required
Yay! First detailed feedback from a newbie. So you like reading up about a forum before you start... I'm like that too. I end up referring people to this or that thread so often I start to get confused where the info/links are. Here's a tip... look at jayx8318x's signature. When I can't remember where the info link I need is, I look her siggie up. It has EVERYTHING~ *lol*

As for Social groups... I still need to create a sticky for the newbie forum with a decent description of each of the 6 social groups... unless I have a volunteer from anyone wanting to tread through the 1st post of every group and compile that sticky for me?

some games can be carried out by the older members to enhance/encourage some friendliness between newbies who don't feel so welcome
Good thinking~ 2 members have started doing just that with 2 polls. But if any mentors/oldies out there can think of some great thread ideas that will encourage interaction or posts from newbies2oldies, be my guest. Please, post it up!

daga, regarding your concern's...Karen's post (http://jay-chou.net/forums/showthread.php?p=659032&postcount=47) said it all. We won't be harsh on them, nor too easy on them. We know how to handle them when they start acting noobish, and the new rule announcement (http://jay-chou.net/forums/announcement.php?f=97&a=81) spells out quite clearly that if they continue to ignore our rules after repeated warnings, they will be banned.
alot of the newbies are asking why they could not change their avatar and they post questions and threads... I know that ithis is being written on the FAQ, but some of them might have missed it or didn't read the FAQ.
Haha... I've noticed that. I have changed the FAQ title to address that point exactly. If there are still more q's popping up...let me know

[judes]

As for Social groups... I still need to create a sticky for the newbie forum with a decent description of each of the 6 social groups... unless I have a volunteer from anyone wanting to tread through the 1st post of every group and compile that sticky for me?

aight i'm getting started on that just to let everyone know. so we don't have ten people doing the same thing at once :D

Here's a tip... look at jayx8318x's signature. When I can't remember where the info link I need is, I look her siggie up. It has EVERYTHING~ *lol*

haha i definitely agree. i'm thinking maybe i should put that up in my sig like you do now, just so people know where to look and can be reminded of it whenever.

[dagamezmasta]

\
As for Social groups... I still need to create a sticky for the newbie forum with a decent description of each of the 6 social groups... unless I have a volunteer from anyone wanting to tread through the 1st post of every group and compile that sticky for me?

Hm... I'll be willing to do that for you. How do you want the layout and how brief the descriptions?

[judes]

^ already did it.
don't worry about it.

[jayx8318x]

*raises hand* oh oh ! I have a complaint.

You guys have 3 Announcements
And 6 Stickies in there.

= 9 things you're throwing at people the second they walk into that forum

A bit overkill if you ask me.

At most, I think a forum shouldn't have anymore than 4 stickies/announcements combined. Unless that forum serves a specific function to guide (e.g. Help/Feedback).

A lot of that stuff may be consolidated? Or not even necessary anymore.

*blinks* Pei! I was reading your post and thought "hey I didn't say that" only to realize it wasn't my post. haha we're twins!

[seaweedpatchkid]

I said the same thing, Karen. But we're working on it!

[ColaPoP]

Doh! But Karen, I want them to know EVERYTHING!

Haha... okey.. I hear you. Better get my shaving knife sharpened.

EDIT: Done. We now have 1 announcement + 3 stickies. Easy~

[ContinentalZero]

i think you should encourage the newbies to post more interesting stuff about themselves and stop asking people to give them their email addresses? it reduces spam infections too

[JianDan[Ai]]

i think you should encourage the newbies to post more interesting stuff about themselves and stop asking people to give them their email addresses? it reduces spam infections too

No one on this forum is asking you for your e-mail, and if they are you should ignore them. You register ONE email address when you sign up and thats it. We don't spam it and in fact the reason for asking for it for verification purposes is so that people don't spam us here. It's the same that way on most forums.

[may-wu]

Thanks. but it is difficult for me to understand how to join one of the groups.